On January 10, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it revised the thresholds that govern filings requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. The thresholds trigger mandatory government notification and related filing fees associated with a pending merger or other acquisition transaction. The Clayton Act requires the FTC to adjust the thresholds annually based upon changes in the gross national product. The new thresholds are as follows:
- For transactions in which the total value of voting securities and assets of the acquired party that will be held by the acquiring party after the transaction exceeds $70.9 million, the parties must give notice if (i) either party has annual net sales or total assets of $141.8 million or more, and (ii) the other party has annual net sales or total assets of $14.2 million or more.
- For transactions in which the total value of voting securities and assets of the acquired party that will be held by the acquiring party after the transaction exceeds $283.6 million, the parties must give notice regardless of the size of the parties.
- Buyers are required to pay the following filing fees in connection with any Hart-Scott-Rodino filing based on the value of the voting securities, assets and/or non-corporate interests to be held as a result of the transaction:
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Transaction value
|
Filing fee
|
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$70.9 million - $141.8 million
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$45,000
|
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$14.8 million - $709.1 million
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$125,000
|
|
$709.1 million or more
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$280,000
|
The FTC published the new thresholds in the Federal Register on January 11, 2013. The new thresholds take effect February 11, 2013.
What This Means to You
Companies that are contemplating a merger or acquisition should be aware of the new limits and fees that may affect the transaction costs. Noncompliance with any Hart-Scott-Rodino requirement can result in civil penalties of up to $16,000 per day for each day of violation. Courts may also impose other types of penalties and relief for failing to comply with pre-notification requirements.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the revised thresholds or any other matters affecting mergers and acquisitions, please contact your Husch Blackwell attorney or one of the following attorneys:
Denver
Robert Attai - 303.749.7213
Kansas City
John Brungardt - 816.983.8127
James Goettsch - 816.983.8257
Kirstin Salzman - 816.983.8316
Omaha
David Gardels - 402.964.5027
St. Louis
Craig Adoor - 314.345.6407
Chris Hamlin - 314.480.1755
Mary Anne O'Connell - 314.480.1715
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